Friday, November 11, 2005

Rock'n'roll pioneer Chuck Berry has sued three leading karaoke music distributors, claiming they sold sing-along versions of his most popular hits without paying royalties or obtaining licenses.

If he prevails in court, Berry stands to gain several hundred thousand dollars for each of his songs, including such hits as "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene" and "My Ding-A-Ling," his lawyer, Peter Haviland, told Reuters earlier this week.

His lawsuit filed on Monday in Los Angeles names three leading karaoke distributors in North America -- UAV Corp. of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Madacy Entertainment of Montreal and Top Tunes Inc. of Hilliard, Ohio. Representatives from the three companies could not immediately be reached for comment.

...Unlike many recording stars of his era, Berry owns all the publishing rights to his songs through his Isalee Music Co., his attorneys said.---------This news is tailor-made for me. I love Chuck Berry, lawsuits, and karaoke! I'm quite upset that Top Tunes might be in the wrong. I've had a lot of good times with Top Tunes, and I would hate to see those memories sullied. In case you hadn't heard before or were wondering, Chuck Berry is Advanced. His Advancement is part of why he owns the publishing rights to his songs (he can see the future before it happens).